Mario Mandzukic is confident that it will not take him too long to settle into life in Italy after completing his move from Atletico Madrid to Juventus.
The Old Lady cruised to Serie A glory last season, finishing 17 points clear of Roma in second to make it four titles on the bounce, but they have wasted little time in beginning their recruitment drive for next term.
There are expected to be one or two outgoings at least with Andrea Pirlo reportedly set for a move to the MLS while Carlos Tevez has been strongly linked with a return to Boca Juniors in his native Argentina.
Perhaps with the latter in mind, Juve – strong 1.10 favourites to retain the Serie A title – have moved to draft in attacking reinforcements with Mandzukic signing a four-year deal after a €19m fee, plus add-ons, was agreed with Atletico earlier this week.
Mandzukic, who has now signed for a third losing Champions League finalist, only spent one season at the Vicente Calderon following his move from Bayern Munich but is confident that he can adapt to yet another lifestyle quickly.
“I’m happy to be in a big club like Juventus,” Mandzukic said on his club’s official website. “I believe the coach (Massimiliano Allegri) knows me well and can get the best out of me.
“I’m ready to do everything necessary for my team-mates. I’ll give my best and I think the coach knows me well enough for us to understand each other and for him to get the best out of me.
“Juventus have always had exceptional players. I’ve played against them and against Italy many times. They’re a tough team with great quality. That is why I’m really delighted to be a part of this group now.”
The arrival of Mandukic is unlikely to be the last new face at the Juventus Stadium but their biggest coup maybe to keep Paul Pogba at the club, with the Frenchman linked with a big-money move away.
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